From AI-led automation to wellbeing-first offices, the world of work is shifting faster than ever.
Las Vegas, USA, 22 January 2026 – Futurist and tech writer Bernard Marr returned from CES 2026 with a clear message: the future of work is no longer a distant concept; it is already taking shape. Known as the world’s largest consumer electronics expo, CES usually attracts crowds looking for the next big thing in TVs, gaming gadgets, and smart home devices. But this year, Marr says the event offered something bigger than shiny new products. It delivered a preview of how humans and machines will work together, and how workplace expectations may change in the coming years.
Even though CES is mainly built around consumer technology, it often gives early signs of what will later reshape offices, factories, and workforces worldwide. Marr identified four key workplace trends emerging from this year’s showcase—each pointing toward a world where technology becomes more useful, more invisible, and more connected to daily decision-making.
AI shifts humans from “doing” to “deciding.”
According to Marr, artificial intelligence was the standout theme of CES 2026. He believes smart systems are moving beyond assisting humans and are starting to handle the execution of tasks themselves. This means people will spend less time completing repetitive work and more time deciding what should be done and why.
At CES, robots were shown performing practical tasks like folding laundry, climbing stairs, and managing smart ecosystems. AI assistants were also designed to predict what users might want before they even ask. Marr believes these same capabilities will soon appear in workplaces, whether it’s automating routine paperwork, streamlining operations, or supporting business decisions.
In simple terms, AI will increasingly do the work, while humans guide the direction. Marr suggests that the value of employees will depend less on how much they produce and more on how well they can spot opportunities, solve problems, and manage automation intelligently.
Work will move beyond desks, laptops, and fixed screens
Another strong signal from CES 2026 was the growing shift away from traditional screens. Marr noted that voice-based tools, smart glasses, and devices that understand their surroundings are becoming more common, showing that computing is becoming hands-free and more integrated into daily life.
If consumers get comfortable using these tools at home, workplaces will follow. This could be especially important for hybrid teams, remote workers, and people working on the go, such as technicians, delivery teams, healthcare staff, and field engineers. The future work setup may not require sitting at a desk all day. Instead, technology will travel with workers, respond instantly, and support productivity wherever they are.
Wellbeing tech becomes a workplace priority, not a bonus
Marr also highlighted a major rise in health and wellness-focused technology at CES. New devices ranged from menstrual health tools to smart sleep systems designed to support young users with comfort features and guidance. He described this as wellness technology becoming more proactive and predictive, rather than simply tracking steps or heart rate.
In the workplace, this could lead to new expectations about mental health support, stress management, and employee wellbeing programs that go beyond basic benefits. Instead of focusing only on performance and output, organizations may increasingly use technology to support the physical and emotional health of their workforce.
Marr suggests that in 2026 and beyond, companies may need to take well-being as seriously as productivity because burnout and pressure can directly affect business performance, employee retention, and long-term success.
Human skills will matter more than ever in an AI-powered world
CES 2026 also showcased futuristic developments like humanoid robots, self-driving systems, and advanced holographic interfaces. While these innovations may sound intimidating, Marr believes they do not replace the most valuable human strengths.
He argues that skills like communication, empathy, teamwork, creative thinking, and the ability to handle uncertainty will become even more important. As machines become better at structured tasks, humans will stand out by building relationships, making strategic judgments, and connecting ideas across complex situations.
Rather than learning every new tool, Marr believes workers will thrive by being adaptable, curious, and ready to evolve as workplaces continue to change.
What this means for employers and HR leaders
Taken together, Marr’s predictions describe a future where technology is everywhere, but not necessarily in control. AI will likely become a constant partner in work, helping people move faster, reducing repetitive tasks, and improving how decisions are made. But humans will remain essential, especially those who can think ahead, work well with others, and adjust quickly to change.
For employers and HR teams, this shift means preparing for a new era of workforce planning. Talent strategies may need to focus not only on technical skills, but also on future-ready thinking, leadership development, and building teams that can work confidently alongside AI.
The future of work, as CES 2026 suggests, is not about humans versus machines. It is about humans with machines creating smarter, faster, and more balanced ways to work.
